Head of Operations

This role, which is the most senior support staff position in the business, is an important strategic appointment. They will be closely involved in the businesses strategic planning and the delivery of its operational excellence and development. The Head of Operations reports directly to the Head and Directors, as a member of the Senior Leadership Team (SLT), is responsible for the major functions of Operational financial performance, HR, IT, Catering, Site Maintenance, Transport and external enterprises, including but not limited to TCM and Oak Theatre and Studios.

The Head of Operations acts directly from instruction given during management meetings with the Head and Directors that support company growth, Quality of service and development targets.

The Head of Operations supports the Development aims and ethos of the business through the effective management of the businesses resources and facilities. This is a new role for the business flexibility and a passion for innovation.

THE STRATEGIC ROLE

The HEAD OF OPERATIONS will play a major role in the Businesses strategic direction, working with the Head and Directors to implement and evaluate the business Strategic Development Plan. The HEAD OF OPERATIONS will need to be entrepreneurial in their contribution to the school business, and that is ethically aligned with the values of the business.

They will be an outstanding leader, show initiative drive and be highly skilled commercially. The successful candidate will not only be able to motivate staff, creating a high performing environment but will also have highly developed personal skills as well as the ability to reflect as a transformational leader.

Key areas of responsibility include:

· Membership of the SLT

· Clerk to the Directors

· Responsible for the development and empowerment of the Operational Leadership Team encouraging them to be confident and collaborative leaders within the business

· Financial management of the operational sections of the business, including but not limited to: TCM, Oak Theatre, Transport, Catering, School.

· Management of line managers of all ancillary staff.

· Compliance for H&S and HR within a demanding regulatory framework (including ISSR’s)

· Human Resources and Payroll

· IT and related technical services

· Risk management

· Commercial opportunities and diversification.

· Grounds, Maintenance, Caretaking, Security, Domestic Services, and Transport.

· Strategy for environmental sustainability

· Alumni funding and development (working with the Head of Marketing)

Financial Management

· To effectively manage the operations finances against KPIs of financial achievement set by the Directors

· To work with the Directors to develop a plan for budgeted capital expenditure and ensure proper maintenance of facilities and equipment.

· To review existing and develop and implement systems for cost control and to work with budget-holders to assist them in effective management of allocated budgets

· To work with the Head and company accountant to advise the Directors on the projected level of fee income, ensure systems are in place for the timely collection of fees and the allocation of scholarships and bursaries, and manage systems for dealing with debtors

· To maintain close liaison with the marketing team in respect of the present and predicted sales figures across the business against KPI tracked targets.

· To maintain close liaison with the Trust and Alumni, designing methods of income generation and strategies with the Marketing Manager

· To ensure that the specified areas of financial management are properly prepared and presented to the Board of Directors each year with comparison against KPIs set for each department

Site Management

· To provide oversight of all aspects of the site including maintenance, security, grounds and facilities

· To develop and implement the Businesses Environmental Sustainability Strategy.

· To work closely with the Directors and Headmaster to ensure the overall site development plan is aligned to financial planning and the School’s aims

· To ensure effective project management, particularly in relation to capital expenditure projects

· To provide effective contract management, ensuring that the award of all operational contracts to external suppliers is handled appropriately and offers excellent value for money.

· To oversee the school's risk management register, and policies and procedures for compliance with Health & Safety, Independent School Standard Regulations and NMS Boarding Regulations

· To ensure the Businesses Emergency Plan is current and fit for purpose.

· To maintain thorough compliance checks on the site

· To work with the Headmaster and Directors within the restrictions of a Grade 1 listed building and greenbelt parkland.

Employment and HR

· To oversee safer recruitment, terms and conditions, employment, welfare and overall management of support staff

With the Network / IT Manager:

· To oversee IT provision within the School and wider businesses, in consultation with the Head, to support the school's digital strategy

· To ensure GDPR compliance; the HEAD OF OPERATIONS is currently the school's Privacy Officer and is responsible for compliance and best practice in this area.

Marketing and Events

· To contribute to and oversee the strategic direction of the commercial opportunities.

· To monitor and implement the commercial revenue plan for the business.

· To maximise the commercial potential of the building and wider site resources across the whole year

General Responsibilities:

• present at all major Business functions
• out any other reasonable duties as requested by the Head or Directors

This job description contains an outline of the typical functions of the job and is not an exhaustive list of all possible job responsibilities, tasks, and duties. The job-holder's actual responsibilities, tasks, and duties might differ from those outlined in the job description, and other duties commensurate with this level of responsibility may be either permanently or temporarily assigned as part of the job. This will be decided in conjunction with the Headmaster and Directors.

The HEAD OF OPERATIONS is able to attend the ISBA Annual conference and any induction course. The school will meet the full cost of the annual subscription/membership fee of ISBA.

Any child of the HEAD OF OPERATIONS, who having satisfied the entry requirements, is admitted as a pupil to the school will receive the benefit of the staff discount on the school fees.

The school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. the successful applicant will require an enhanced disclosure from the DBS (Disclosure Barring Service). The school will conduct this check for you.